Happy For You

Well, I was hoping to show you a Mojo Madness sketch today, but that didn't really work out the way I planned. I had the card almost done, and just didn't care for it, so I scrapped the idea and thought I'd show you this instead.

This is a sample from one set of cards I made for the swap I am in. The swap is for cards with an "alternate opening", and this is what I came up with for mine. Forgive the glare. I took the bottom picture first, then sealed them all in clear envies before realizing I never took a picture of the front. Rather than opening an envie, I opted to just take a pic. SO, here is the front of the card:


And this photo shows the alternate opening:

The card is made with the Petals and Stems set from Verve Stamps. I just love that set. It's so pretty and versatile. The sentiment is from an old Stampin' Up! set called Happy Everything. I'm pleased with how the card turned out. I really think the copper cording over the ribbon is the perfect addition for the otherwise simple card. It really seems to add just the right amount of oomph (if that's a word). What do you think?

This is a bit off topic, but I can't keep these gems to myself anymore. For those of you who bake, or like to eat baked goods *wink*, or simply drool over pictures of baked goods, I have to share some recent finds. Did you know there is a whole universe of bloggers out there devoted to CUPCAKES? It seems to be similar to our little stamping world where there are design teams (mostly challenge teams), blog awards, etc. etc. etc. I don't know why I was so surprised by this, but I was. I think it's cool though, and everything I've seen so far looks sooooo good! Ugh. I think I've gained weight just looking! Two of my favorites so far are:

Bakerella - I saw this girl on Martha Stewart (a rerun) a few days ago, and was completely intrigued by these little cupcake pops she was making. Here is a sample (same recipe, different decoration from what was on the show, but SUPER CUTE!). She clearly has a killer sense of humor, given posts like this (LOL!), and seems very down to earth based on what I saw on Martha. You really need to check this blog out if you haven't already. I already have it saved in my Google reader so I can keep up with her.

...and...

No One Puts Cupcake In A Corner - First of all, the name of the blog totally cracks me up. :) I found this through a link on Bakerella's blog and was surprised to find that the owner blogs out of Milwaukee, a mere 45 minutes from me! And she has these fabulous Iron Cupcake Challenges (Love it!) at Fratello's, one of my favorite restaurants (have you had their White Chicken Chili? To. Die. For.)! I haven't had as much time to drool over her blog yet, but I know it is view worthy from what I've seen so far, so be sure to check it out!

I was explaining all of this to my hubby and he said, "so does this mean you're starting another hobby?" LOL! No, not quite, but hey... I did make these cupcakes for Henry's first birthday, and these for his second birthday (open the smilebox to see them), and I *have* met Martha Stewart. Just sayin'...

;o)

Card Deets:
Stamps: Petals and Stems (Verve Stamps), Happy Everything (Stampin' Up!)
Ink: Always Artichoke, So Saffron, Rose Red
Paper: Always Artichoke, So Saffron, Very Vanilla
Other: Vanilla Grosgrain Ribbon, Copper Cord (SU!)